The Human {Editing}

Chapter 40

Victoria's pov

A constant tapping on the window woke me up the next day. I sighed in delight when the tapping stopped, but it didn't last long since it started again.

Groaning, I rolled out of bed and wobbled over to the window where the sound was coming from. The sun burned my eyes as I squinted, seeing a small little bird who woke me from my slumber. 

I decided to let him be and got ready for the day. I could see that it was quite past morning, and Luka had that pack meeting to attend. 

Yesterday when I fell asleep in Luka's arms, he had brought me to bed, where I slept until almost three in the afternoon.

It felt awkward to face them all, but I knew I had to. I wasn't regretting breaking down before them and showing them my weakest point, I just felt bad for making them feel bad.

I'd assume either Luka or Lincoln had filled them in, which I didn't mind since it must've been a puzzle to them.

What I didn't like though, was how they all watched me with pity when I went down for dinner. Which of course, I immediately shut down by telling them to, and I quote, 'shut down this pity party before I crash it for them'.

That seemed to lighten the mood for them, which I was grateful for and Caleb mumbled something about Victoria being Victoria.

We did, however, talk about it.

I'd reopen an old wound that took ages, efforts and tears to close. But they all assured me that I wouldn't have to do it alone this time, and I was happy for that.

I held on tight to what Emma said about it getting better in time, and I noticed it was already happening.

I'd accepted that I couldn't change what happened to Sophie, but I will always remember her. Not as the sad aunt who was stuck with a burden niece who caused her hell, but as the only family I knew up until I met these people.

I'll remember her as the mentor she was, I'll remember her happy laughs and puberty pep talks. I'll remember her as the wonderful person she was.

No longer will I tie the memory of her death to every thought I had of her. I'll only think about her love and kind heart, and I wont blame myself any longer for what happened to her.

Sophie Deslandes, a loving, dedicated and passionate mother to me. That's the Sophie I'll remember.

And it only took six wolves to help me see that.

Fully dressed and ready for the day, I strolled downstairs to grab a bite to eat. It was a little past ten, and the pack meeting was set for 12, so we had time.

"Good morning" I greeted as I entered the kitchen. Only Caleb and Ashley were there.

"Hey Tori" Caleb beamed and Ashley followed. I noticed she was glowing, and her face seemed slightly chubbier; something we knew wouldn't go unnoticed by Caleb.

We hadn't really had much time to talk about how the surprise was gonna go on his birthday this Sunday, but I just hoped he didn't pick up the change in her scent before.

"Where is everyone? " I mumbled with a mouth full of toast.

"Ty, Lincoln and Luka are getting things ready for the meeting, Emma is with her parents I think" Caleb said.